We’re one step closer to the arrival of The Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, with a new trailer proving the odds certainly aren’t in Haymitch Abernathy’s (Joseph Zada) favour.
The buzzy movie, based on the Suzanne Collins book of the same name, is fast-approaching, so in anticipation, we’re sorting through everything we know about Sunrise on the Reaping, including the full cast list, all the trailers, the release date and more.
Scroll on for the complete deep-dive!
Table of Contents
- Is there a trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping?
- What is the Sunrise on the Reaping book about?
- Everything we know about the film adaptation
- Every major celeb cast in Sunrise on the Reaping
- President Snow: Donald Sutherland
- Lenore Dove Baird: Whitney Peak
- Effie Trinket: Elle Fanning
- President Snow: Ralph Fiennes
- Caesar Flickerman: Kieran Culkin
- Plutarch Heavensbee: Jesse Plemons
- Mags Flanagan: Lili Taylor
- Wiress Wright: Maya Hawke
- Beetee Latier: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- Ampert Latier: Percy Daggs IV
- Drusilla Sickle: Glenn Close
- Magno Stift: Billy Porter
- Lou Lou: Iona Bell
- Wyatt Callow: Ben Wang
- Maysilee Donner: McKenna Grace
- Wellie: Rada Rae
- Panache Barker: Jhaleil Swaby
- Silka Sharp: Laura Marcus
- Maritte: Sky Frances
- Ringina: Tatyana Muzondo
- Kerna: Alina Reid
- Clayton: Salimou Thiam
- Buck: John Doeble
- Hull: Kaine Buffonge
- Sid Abernathy: Smylie Bradwell
- Willamae Abernathy: Kara Tointon
- Clerk Carmine: Jeffrey Hallman
- Woodbine Chance: Serafin Mishiev
- Mr McCoy: Jefferson White
- Burdock Everdeen: Scot Greenan
- Asterid March: Grace Ackary
- Hattie Meeney: Melody Chikakane Brown
- A lucky fan has been cast in Sunrise on the Reaping
- Will the original actors be in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released in Australia?
Is there a trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping?
Yes! Fans were blessed with a new trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping in mid-April.
The action-packed clip features snippets of Haymitch preparing for the Quarter Quell, complete with glimpses of the colourful arena, the Capitol, and a stacked roster of new tributes. Feast your eyes below:
Before that trailer, we also got an official teaser late last year. It gives us a grim look into the chaotic origin story of everyone’s fave grumpy mentor, including the Reaping in District 12 — AKA the day that completely nukes young Haymitch Abernathy’s life.
Special mentions to Glenn Close who looks unrecognisable as Drusilla Sickle (basically this film’s Effie) and old mate Ralph Fiennes who has hung up Voldemort’s wand and is now taking the form of President Snow.
Have a watch below:
What is the Sunrise on the Reaping book about?
Set 24 years before the first Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place during the 50th Hunger Games. We follow 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 as he’s forced to fight in the second Quarter Quell. His one goal? Survive for his girlfriend, Lenore Dove.
Check out our Sunrise on the Reaping lore recap here for more. (FYI, there will be spoilers there. You have been warned).
Everything we know about the film adaptation
The film’s creators, Lionsgate, announced that the second Hunger Games prequel would be made into a film on June 6, 2024, coinciding with the book announcement.
Francis Lawrence, who helmed the previous films in The Hunger Games franchise (except the OG) is also on board to direct Sunrise on the Reaping.
Lionsgate also confirmed that it’s bringing back the Hunger Games scriptwriter Billy Ray at CinemaCon in March 2025.
We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that Sunrise on the Reaping is in good hands. We’d be rioting against the Capitol if not.
Every major celeb cast in Sunrise on the Reaping
Here’s everything we know about the Sunrise on the Reaping cast.
Haymitch Abernathy: Joseph Zada
Lionsgate revealed that Joseph Zada, an Aussie actor hailing from Sydney, will play Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping.
If you’re wondering why Zada looks familiar, you might know him from the Aussie show Invisible Boys or the US series We Were Liars.
Lenore Dove Baird: Whitney Peak
Haymitch’s love interest, Lenore Dove Baird, will be played by Whitney Peak.
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” Lionsgate told Deadline of the lead stars.
“After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles.”
Peak is a Ugandan-Canadian, most widely known for her role in the Gossip Girl reboot. She played Zoya Lott, the younger half-sister of an Instagram influencer.
Effie Trinket: Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning is on board as the young Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping!
Set long before she became an escort for District 12, Fanning’s role follows Effie as an assistant stylist, where she meets young Haymitch for the first time.
President Snow: Ralph Fiennes
Previous President Snow actor, Donald Sutherland, passed away in 2024, but his shoes will be filled in Sunrise on the Reaping by Ralph Fiennes.
Fiennes nailed daddy Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, so it seems only fitting that he takes on yet another snazzy yet evil villain. This is the closest thing we’ll get to a fandom crossover, and I’m so here for it.
Caesar Flickerman: Kieran Culkin
Proving that these casting directors are really not playing, Succession baddie Kieran Culkin will play Caesar Flickerman, aka the telly host who was previously portrayed by Stanley Tucci in the OG film series.
Plutarch Heavensbee: Jesse Plemons
Jesse Plemons will play Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee. Plemons has previously been in many blockbuster hits and TV shows — Black Mirror, Breaking Bad and Game Night, to name a few. Personally, I reckon Plemons would absolutely nail Plutarch’s nonchalant vibe. I dig it.
Plemons will continue Philip Seymour Hoffman‘s legacy, who played Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games. He sadly passed away in 2014 at 46 years old.
Mags Flanagan: Lili Taylor
Lili Taylor will play Mags Flanagan, AKA Haymitch’s mentor (alongside Wiress) in Sunrise on the Reaping. Mag’s nurturing role to Haymitch is in safe hands, as Taylor’s known for motherly roles in some of the most fucked up scenarios such as The Conjuring, Six Feet Under, and American Crime.
If you put Taylor and Lynn Cohen (who plays Mags in Catching Fire) side by side, it’s eerie how alike they look. The casting directors truly blessed us with this film.
Wiress Wright: Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke will star as Wiress Wright, Haymitch’s mentor, in Sunrise on The Reaping. Someone give the casting directors a raise, as Hawke is truly MADE to play the kooky ‘Nuts’. She’s the perfect pick to capture the ‘before’ of all the psychological torture that the Capitol put Wiress through.
Take her role inStranger Things as Robin Buckley, playing Steve Harrington’s quirky best friend. Real ones remember her role as the scatterbrained Anxiety in Inside Out 2, which foreshadows what’s to come for Wiress.
I was so immersed in the wholesome bond Wiress had with Haymitch when reading the book — so I’m keen to see how those actors recreate the bond. If anyone can master it, it’s these guys.
Beetee Latier: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Mufasa: The Lion King‘s Kelvin Harrison Jr. will play the zaddy we all know as Beetee Latier.
Ampert Latier: Percy Daggs IV
Ampert Latier will be played by Percy Daggs IV in Sunrise on the Reaping. As a quick recap, Ampert is Beetee’s son, who is sent into the games as punishment for his father’s rebellion.
Daggs recently starred in the horror movie, Never Let Go — and let’s just say his acting skills chilled me to the bone. It turns out his real-life father is Percy Daggs III, known for his roles in Veronica Mars and iZombie. Talk about a talented bloodline.
Drusilla Sickle: Glenn Close
Drusilla Sickle will played by Glenn Close in Sunrise on the Reaping. As a quick recap about Drusilla (no spoilers, I promise), she’s the mean-spirited escort for District 12. That’s what makes Close so perfect for this role. When I say evil, who do you think of? That’s right, puppy killer Cruella de Vil — the character that Close played in the 1996 live-action of 101 Dalmatians.
Magno Stift: Billy Porter
Billy Porter will play Magno Stift in Sunrise on the Reaping, AKA Drusilla’s estranged husband and stylist for the tributes. He might not be the best stylist in the world, but Magno sure is perplexing, making for quite the viewing experience. I just know Porter is going to eat the boots down in this role, especially with his previous Broadway experience.
You would’ve seen Porter in Cinderella as Fab G (the fairy godmother), and he truly carried the movie IMO. He was also part of the ensemble and voiced characters in Anastasia — and yes, this makes me incredibly happy. The Hunger Games world isn’t ready for the dynamic (and slightly problematic) duo that is Porter and Cole (AKA Drusilla and Magno).
Lou Lou: Iona Bell
Iona Bell has been cast as Lou Lou in Sunrise on the Reaping — and yes, the casting team gave a minor spoiler away. This will be Bell’s first feature film, and I’m so keen to see what she’s made of.
Can I be real for a sec? I’m really not ready for this. McCann and Bell look so young. Sure, it’s bad reading about it in the books, but to visually see them on screen, battling it out in the Hunger Games?? Just like we did with Rue?? I’m going to need a moment.
Wyatt Callow: Ben Wang
Wyatt Callow, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 tribute in the 50th Hunger Games, will be played by Ben Wang. Without giving too much away, Wyatt organised bets for District 12, including who would win the Hunger Games. If you ask me, it’s hella ironic that he was then reaped. That’s one twisted form of karma TBH.
This casting feels very fitting, since Wang has already learnt how to play-fight in Karate Kid: Legends alongside Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Look, all I’m saying is that karate moves would slap in the arena. Just call me a Gamemaker at this point.
Maysilee Donner: McKenna Grace
McKenna Grace will play Maysilee Donner in Sunrise on the Reaping. My reaction? I AM SCREAMING. We grew up with Grace on our screens, playing the younger version of stars such as Margot Robbie in I, Tonya and Brie Larson in Captain Marvel.
Excited as I am, this casting is also heartbreaking, as we know Maysilee dies at the end. And no, that’s not a spoiler, it’s just common sense. She’s Haymitch’s fellow District 12 tribute in the Hunger Games… and we all know that he’s the only one who makes it out alive.
Excuse me. I need a moment.
Wellie: Rada Rae
Rada Rae will play District Six tribute Wellie in Sunrise on the Reaping, and again, why are they making them so little? First Ampert and now Wellie? I already know I’m going to crash out when 11-year-old Rae is on screen.
Rae already has an impressive career, recently playing Ayleen Kynch in Netflix’s Exterritorial and Rebecca in Nine Perfect Strangers. With quite the acting repertoire already, she’s going to kill it as Wellie (both metaphorically and physically).
Proserpina Trinket: Iris Apatow
Iris Apatow is going to play Proserpina Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping, AKA Effie’s younger sister. You’ll see her interact with Haymitch, as she’s a part of his prep team, alongside Vitus (see below).
If you’re not familiar with Apatow, she’s one of our fave nepo babies, known for her role in This Is 40, where she starred alongside her mum Leslie Mann and older sister Maude. Her dad, Judd Apatow, directed the movie, too! She’s also besties with Olivia Rodrigo, who’s clearly pumped for her success.
“Yayyyy go Iris!!!!!” Rodrigo commented on The Hunger Games Insta post. We stan women supporting women.
Vitus: Edvin Ryding
Vitus will be played by Edvin Ryding in Sunrise on the Reaping, a member of Haymitch’s prep team alongside Proserpina. Fun fact: the only reason they got ‘stuck’ styling someone from District 12 is because they’re undergraduates at the Capitol University. Talk about the short end of the stick.
If you’re wondering why Ryding looks familiar, that’s because he starred in the Young Royals as Prince Wilhelm. Fans went wild on the announcement post last year.
Panache Barker: Jhaleil Swaby
Jhaleil Swaby will play Panache Barker in Sunrise on the Reaping, AKA a career tribute from District One. For context, Panache is related to Palladium Barker, who won the 46th Hunger Games. So no pressure, Panache.
Swaby is best known for his roles in White Dog, Whistle and Share, but he’s also been in Disney’s Zombies and the Shazam! franchise. Now, he’s adding Sunrise on the Reaping to his resume, and I’m so excited to watch his career take off from here.
Silka Sharp: Laura Marcus
Laura Marcus will play Silka Sharp in Sunrise on the Reaping, who is also a District One tribute. Marcus’s breakout role was inBad Education as Jinx, alongside comedian Jack Whitehall. She’s recently starred in the latest Star Wars show, Andor, and The Serpent Queen, which was actually based on Leonie Frieda‘s book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France.
Maritte: Sky Frances
Maritte will be played by Sky Frances in Sunrise on the Reaping, AKA one of the District Four tributes. As a Career tribute, you definitely don’t want to be underestimating her in the Hunger Games.
Frances’ big break was in A Gentleman in Moscow, starring Ewan McGregor.
Ringina: Tatyana Muzondo
Tatyana Muzondo will play Ringina in Sunrise on the Reaping, a tribute from District Seven. Ringina is known for her knack with knives, so it’ll be especially interesting to see how she uses them in the arena.
Kerna: Alina Reid
Kerna will be played by Alina Reid in Sunrise on the Reaping, one of the two female tributes from District Nine. She looks ridiculously young, so I for one am not ready to watch her to battle to the death.
SOTR will be her debut role on the silver screen, AKA her big break — so go girl!!
Clayton: Salimou Thiam
Salimou Thiam will play Clayton in Sunrise on the Reaping, a tribute from District Nine. He’s certainly one to watch in training, especially when he gets offered to choose between the Careers or Haymitch’s group.
Thiam is known for TV shows such as Uferpark – Gute Zeiten, Wilde Zeiten and Ein Fall für zwei.
Buck: John Doeble
Buck will be played by John Doeble in Sunrise on the Reaping, one of the two male tributes from District Ten. I’m not one to spoil, but I will say that this death is a particularly gruesome one. I already know I’ll be wincing at the screen.
Doeble has been in TV shows like Skam Germany and Küsse, die nach Messing schmecken.
Hull: Kaine Buffonge
Kaine Buffonge will play Hull in Sunrise on the Reaping, a tribute from District Eleven.
Buffonge is known for his roles in Jungle and Hackney Downs.
Sid Abernathy: Smylie Bradwell
Nine-year-old Smylie Bradwell will play Sid Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping, AKA Haymitch’s little brother. Knowing what’s to come, I’m not emotionally ready to see these two interact on screen. Hint, hint.
Bradwell got his first on-screen debut at age six (!!) on Wisting, and has gone on to big shows such as Insomnia and The Crow Girl before the age of ten. From the clips I’ve seen, Sid is going to break our hearts with his acting skills.
Willamae Abernathy: Kara Tointon
Haymitch’s mum, Willamae Abernathy, will be played by Kara Tointon in Sunrise on the Reaping. Willamae plays an important part in the film, encouraging Haymitch to act the part for the Capitol so he could make it home safely. If only she knew what was to come.
Tointon is known for her starring role as Dawn Swann in EastEnders, who, funnily enough, is also a mother. Talk about a typecast.
Clerk Carmine: Jeffrey Hallman
Jeffrey Hallman will play Clerk Carmine (CC) in Sunrise on the Reaping, the younger brother to Billy Taupe Clade. He’s one of the Covey members who looks after Lenore, Haymitch’s girlfriend, so I, for one, am super keen to see how this is portrayed in the film.
Hallman has been in movies like Solace, Kill The Messenger, Cell and American Made.
Woodbine Chance: Serafin Mishiev
Woodbine Chance will be played by Serafin Mishiev in Sunrise on the Reaping. If the character’s name sounds familiar, that’s because he plays quite an important role at the start of the book. I’ll leave it at that, but proceed with caution.
Mishiev is known for his roles in So viel Zeit, The Audition and Gotteskinder.
Mr McCoy: Jefferson White
Mr McCoy will be played by THE Jefferson White in Sunrise on the Reaping, AKA the narrator for the SOTR audiobook. Louella’s father is only mentioned briefly in the novel; hence why we don’t know his first name.
It turns out that White not only does narration, but also acting. He’s been in well-known shows like Yellowstone, Blindspot and Chicago PD. As a self-proclaimed audiobook connoisseur, I for one can’t wait to hear his voice in the film.
Burdock Everdeen: Scot Greenan
Scot Greenan is going to play Burdock Everdeen in Sunrise on the Reaping. If that last name looks familiar, that’s because it is — he’s Katniss’s dad! I can’t wait to see Haymitch be besties with Burdock in the film. Fingers crossed we get a moment where Haymitch tells Katniss her dad would be proud of her (I’m going to escort myself out now).
Greenan has previously starred in films such as Robin Hood,Mary Queen of Scots andMacbeth.
Asterid March: Grace Ackary
Grace Ackary is going to play Asterid March (Katniss’s mum) in Sunrise on the Reaping. I better not hear a peep in the cinema while I watch Asterid and Burdock fall in love on screen. You best believe I will be replaying that scene over and over again so I can block out what’s to come.
Ackary has appeared in shows such as FBI: International and The Winter King. Plus, she’s Aussie! We love to see it.
Hattie Meeney: Melody Chikakane Brown
Hattie Meeney is going to be played by Melody Chikakane Brown in Sunrise on the Reaping. To recap, Hattie sells white liquor in District 12.
She plays an important role in Haymitch’s development by taking him on as a mentee at age 16. I’d say she’s the human equivalent of tough love, which I think is partly what gets him through the 50th Hunger Games.
This will be Brown’s first big movie, and I can’t wait to see her on screen.
Tibby: Jax Guerrero
Jax Guerrero will play Tibby in Sunrise on the Reaping, an attendant from the Capitol who is most known for giving Haymitch a cake in the book.
This will be Guerrero’s first big film. Guerrero, if for some reason you’re reading this: knock ‘em dead. Not literally, though!
Hersilia: Sandra Förster
Hersilia is going to be played by Sandra Förster in Sunrise on the Reaping, who teaches knife training to the districts. Yep. Let’s just say, you definitely don’t want to get on her bad side.
From the looks of Förster’s Instagram, she seems like a complete badass, so I’m keen to see how she brings Hersilia to life on screen.
A lucky fan has been cast in Sunrise on the Reaping
Five months after kicking off an open casting call, Lionsgate revealed last October who’ll be stepping into Panem next. Meet Devon Singletary, the lucky fan cast in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
Devon’s big moment was announced on The Hunger Games official socials, where his stunned and stoked reaction was shared with fans. Hailing from Florida, Devon’s both an actor and filmmaker, and his excitement is pretty clear: “I’m blown away. I’m really just speechless. I’m super excited,” he said in the video.
Cast members McKenna Grace, Whitney Peak and Joseph Zada popped up to congratulate Devon, revealing he’ll be playing Blair — a mate of Haymitch Abernathy and Burdock Everdeen, Katniss’ dad, in this prequel chapter.
The video also caught Devon’s arrival on set, ready to start shooting and fully embracing the Hunger Games family.
Last May, Lionsgate called for fans to send in solo videos: act out a scene, belt out a tune, or just bring your own vibe — no acting chops required. And for Devon, the odds were in fact in his favour!
Will the original actors be in Sunrise on the Reaping?
We already know that a few of the actors from the original Hunger Games movies will appear in Sunrise on the Reaping, since Woody Harrelson’s (who plays the older Haymitch) voice featured in the first teasr trailer.
“I think these games are gonna be different,” he voices. Okay, elusive king.
We also know that original Katniss and Peeta actors, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, will appear in Sunrise on the Reaping in some capacity, though the extent of the their roles has been kept under wraps.
Do you know what the cherry on top would be? If they put a snippet of Lucy Gray Baird (played by Rachel Zegler) at the end. Life = made.
When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released in Australia?
The film version of Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in Australia on November 19, 2026. How are we supposed to wait that long, Lionsgate?
May the odds be ever in your favour with The Hunger Games merch below.
Sunrise on the Reaping special edition
Can’t you just imagine how this special edition of Sunrise on the Reaping will look on your bookshelf? I’m obsessed with the gold detailing and velvet wrap.
A personalised letter from Haymitch (no, I’m not kidding)
You can finally live out your Haymitch fantasy with a personalised letter from him. Also, $10 for a 1500+ word count? What a bargain.
Peeta engraved wooden spoon
Now, YOU can bake bread with Peeta. He’ll even help you stir the dough. Move aside, Katniss; he’s feeding us bread this time.
The Hunger Games candle
Hopefully, your family will get the hint that you want to be left alone with your book. You can even personalise the candle with your name or the names of your book besties.
Katniss’s bow and arrow
You can look just like Katniss with this cosplay bow and arrow by wearing your hair in a braid.
‘That is mahogany!’ jumper
I think we all fell in love with Effie Trinket based on this quote alone. So why not get this iconic saying on a jumper?
Mockingjay epilogue bookmark
How cute are these bookmarks???
Mockingjay pin leather bracelet
Now, you can proudly wear the sign of the resistance with this badass Mockingjay pin leather bracelet.
Baby girl Josh Hutcherson stickers
When I showed my editor the baby girl stickers, she said, “Need.”
Girl dinner flag
This girl dinner flag is also a need.
Happy Hunger Games tributes.
Lead images: YouTube
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